These days we might take for granted our right to legal representation and worker rights but Rachel from Dictionary of Sydney reminded us why we should appreciate it after she brought us a story from colonial Sydney about a worker dispute that ended grimly.

This week is the anniversary of John Hammill hanging after he murdered his boss George Williamson with a shovel at Gross Farm.

Rachel from Dictionary of Sydney joined Marlene Even.

Photo: The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser  5 May 1832 p2. (Credit: Trove, National Library of Australia)